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Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that and the Fun Stops. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
We at BonusFinder promote responsible gambling. All the casinos, poker sites, and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self-exclude for a certain time period or permanently.
We are not medical professionals, but we've gathered information about responsible gambling and gambling problems below. Have a look, reflect and seek further help in case you think you need it!
The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling or gambling addiction or gambling disorder as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”
The warning signs of problem gambling remain the same anywhere in the world.
GambleAware is the UK's leading non-profit organization dedicated to educate on and fight against gambling-related harms. Their ten items list of tips on how to gamble safely is pretty good.
The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as follows: "gambling disorder involves repeated gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress".
According to APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during past year:
If you have felt or done any of the above, you might need to take control of your gambling. BeGambleAware has an anonymous online test you can try to get further indication of your gambling habits.
There are a lot of myths about gambling. Take a look at the table below for some of them. BonusFinder exhorts you to take a hard look at your gambling behaviour and seek help if needed.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Only unaffordable losses constitute gambling addiction problem | Problem gambling can harm work or family life even without huge losses or gambling related debts. |
| Occasional gambling is not problem gambling | Compulsive behavior is possible even with limited, occasional gambling. |
| Responsible people don’t get gambling issues | Addiction can affect anyone, responsible or irresponsible. |
| Only adults suffer from gambling problems | Children and teens can be impacted in many ways. Just laws are not enough to keep children safe. |
| Helping financially helps the gambler | Paying debts or financial help may worsen the situation and aid gambling. |
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network can be reached from 1-800-522-4700 for US callers. It is available 24/7 and it is 100% confidential. More information and further contact details can be found here. According to APA, problem gamblers are at increased risk of suicide. It is very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. For immediate attention, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
The Gambling Helpline New Zealand can be reached from 0800 654 655. It is available 24/7 and you can reach them via text on 8006 as well. More information and further contact details can be found here.
Players in Canada can find help with the following institutions:
Different countries have their own institutions to tackle problem gambling. The table below covers some of the markets where BonusFinder helps players find bonuses. You will also find responsible gambling help on the different sites of BonusFinder. In most countries, gambling sites are required to provide options to restrict gaming in player accounts, including self-exclusion, which can be activated voluntarily.
| Country/Region | Self-Exclusion | Limits & Player Tools | Advertising Controls | Regulatory Mandates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | GAMSTOP (national) | Mandatory tools + affordability checks | Strict – credit card ban, targeted ad bans | Highly advanced |
| NZ | MVE & venue-based | On government platforms only | Minimal ads; RG signage mandatory | Advanced public health focus |
| Spain | RGIAJ (national) | Mandatory limits + behavior tracking | Ad time bans, no sponsorships | Advanced |
| Ireland | National register in development | Voluntary, patchy | Reforms in progress | Reforming (GRAI in progress) |
| Italy | ADM centralized | Limits required by law | Blanket ad ban (Dignity Decree) | Mature, strongly enforced |
| Ontario (CA) | Yes – central + per operator | Deposit, time, session limits | Minors excluded; RG promotion required | Advanced (iGaming regulated) |
| Mexico | Voluntary, weak | Limited and inconsistent | No strong ad restrictions | Developing area – major reforms proposed |
There are also online tools that can block access to gambling sites. With BetBlocker, a UK-registered charity for example, you can block over 93,100 gambling websites and 1,500+ apps. Do not hesitate to install and use them. The table below gives a quick synopsis of such tools.
| Tool | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BetBlocker | UK-registered charity tool that blocks gambling sites and apps | Free |
| Gamban | Blocks gambling apps/sites across devices; UK users get it free via TalkBanStop | Paid |
| Gamstop | Self-exclusion scheme blocking all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps | Free |
| NetNanny | Parental control software that blocks gambling and harmful online content | Paid |
As a small team we only have so many hours in the day, which is why we always prioritise player emails over everyone else. Feel free to send us a message using the 'contact us' button.
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